Home  News Latest Grandfather wins ju jitsu black belt
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Grandfather wins ju jitsu black belt |
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Monday, 16 March 2009 |
 An 89-year-old from Essex has become the oldest person in the UK to hold a black belt in ju jitsu.
Basildon resident John Fleming has been aiming for the achievement since starting the martial art in 1962.
On his self defence success, Mr Fleming commented: "I've been accosted in town. People see a little man with grey hair and put their hands on me, but I knew what to do, enough to see them off."
The war veteran and grandfather-of-four added that ju jitsu is his passion, despite sometimes being held back by stiff limbs.
He first started practising self defence while stationed in Libya during World War Two.
Mr Fleming's club, Basildon Wakarishin Ju Jitsu, is based at Basildon Sport Centre, Nethermayne and holds sessions for adults on Wednesdays between 20:30 and 22:30 GMT, the Wakarishin website reports.
At the other end of the age spectrum, an eight-year-old was recently awarded two medals at a regional tournament in Hertfordshire, the Welwyn and Hatfield Times states.
Archie Denton made his father proud by winning gold and bronze in the 42 and 50 kilo competitions respectively.
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